Rory McIlroy on Ryder Cup tears and team spirit: ‘It’s the purest form of the game’

Europe's talisman endured a rough time in 2021 but the backing of his team provided a vital boost. Now he's out to beat the USA

The tears led to fears. As Rory McIlroy blubbed during an interview at the conclusion of the last Ryder Cup, speculation rose that one of the greatest golfers of all time was in a tailspin. Nobody in European colours impressed during a brutal 19-9 defeat by the US but the extent of McIlroy's troubles until a final-day win against Xander Schauffele were especially stark.

As is often the case around McIlroy, it turned out the received wisdom was wrong. He won on his next tournament outing. Another quintet of titles have been added during the intervening period. The inability to claim a fifth major gnaws at the Northern Irishman but his level of consistency postWisconsin has made a mockery of tales of woe.